Have Fun In A Safe Manner This Fourth Of July

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our country’s independence with fun in the sun, cook-outs, and firework displays.

It is a time to spend it with family and friends. Whether you are at the beach, out in your backyard, or attending a baseball game; safety is top priority! The following are some safety tips to enjoy this holiday without any incidents…

Sun Safety: Protect your skin against the sun with SPF 30+ or higher, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Try to avoid sodas and drinks with high sugar content because that could lead you to become more dehydrated. If you are the legal age to drink alcohol, try to avoid excessive drinking under the sun.

Water Safety: Make sure everyone near water has the proper skills to swim, keep an eye on young children and check flotation devices for leaks. Be aware of health advisories regarding beaches in Texas. It is very important to be aware of rip currents and what to do if you get stuck in one. Most important tip to follow is swim to the sides away from current then to shore.

Grilling Safety: We all like to think we are master grillers, but even a person with plenty of experience can become careless and forget to take all precautions when grilling. Check to make sure your grill is in proper working order, properly ignite the flame, use heat resistant tools and never lean over an open flame. Properly store uncooked chicken and meats separately and in a cool storage container until you are ready to place it on the grill. Food borne illnesses can be avoided if you follow proper food handling and cooking procedures.

Firework Safety: On average, 240 people go to the ER for firework related injuries around the fourth. The top two injuries from fireworks include hands & fingers (36%) and head, faces & ears (22%).

For young children and teens, parental guidance is advised with both fireworks and sparklers. Be mindful of children with sparklers, as the wire remains hot enough to burn skin even after the sparks have ended.

Even if you are not setting fireworks off yourself, but are attending an organized display, stay a safe distance away from the display. Fireworks in brown paper are often made for professional displays, so if you are setting off a higher grade firework make sure to only do it in an open area away from power lines and dry areas. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire, and make sure to not to point them towards homes or people.

Family Safety: Over 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 each year. No one ever thinks they will have to make one of those calls or visit an Emergency Room during a festive day. Be mindful of others around you; have fun but do it in a safe manner.